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Written question asked by John McDonnell (Labour) on Monday, 4 July 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 July 2022. It was answered by Amanda Milling (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 July 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel: Palestinians

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help end the 15-year blockade of Gaza.

Answer

The UK continues to urge both the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authorities to prioritise progress towards reaching a durable solution for Gaza and to take the necessary practical steps to ensure Gaza's reconstruction and economic recovery. I recently visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) where I saw first-hand the challenges of the prolonged conflict and the impact of the occupation. I reiterated UK support for a two-state solution and the need to improve conditions for ordinary Palestinians in my meetings with Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Roll, and with the Palestinian leadership, including Prime Minister Shtayyeh.

We remain longstanding supporters of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and their work to support Palestinian refugees across the region including Gaza. At the UNRWA pledging conference in New York in June, we announced a new multi-year funding programme with the agency providing £15 million in 2022, which helps UNRWA provide education to over 533,000 children a year (half of them girls), and access to health services for 3.5 million Palestinian refugees.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
29858
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Israel Palestine Gaza
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk